It was a quick stop for lunch at the local Chick-fil-A that would prove to be one of my many laughable or dumb moments…okay, it was a dumb moment, but F-U-N-N-Y!
I have never been one to accept and embrace change. I remain less confused if things stay the same. Obama has brought CHANGE to America in many ways. Apparently, one change must be happening at local fast food restaurants. Get ready America for the headset wearing, standing by the intercom, order taking, handing condiments out, drive thru fast food restaurants. This change is coming and is sneaking up on us…I tell you, in jest.
As Dan quickly pulls into the drive thru with me in the passenger seat and ready to say, “I’ll have a number one; make the waffle fries and sweet tea a large, and one chicken salad sandwich please”. The same order we have made at the many Chick-fil- A intercoms we have visited. It was the young man with the headset standing by the intercom located between TWO menu boards that threw me into a moment of confusion, I guess. Hmm, intercom must be broken, I thought. To add to my confusion, the young man without saying a word holds up a laminated Chick-fil- A menu. I say again to my defense, without saying a word.
What follows is my moment…
Young man in headset…standing between two menu boards…holding laminated menu…not saying a word!
Me…bending forward S-L-O-W-L-Y mouthing the words…………
“DO YOU NEED FOR US TO POINT AT WHAT WE WANT”? Yes, I concluded that he had to be deaf!
Young man in headset…without cracking his Chick-fil- A persona SPEAKS, “No, I’ll take your order”.
Me…Head spinning with feelings of what just happened, softly saying, “Oh No, I thought you were deaf’!
Dan quickly says I’ll have a number one; make the waffle fries and sweet tea a large, and one chicken salad sandwich please”. He pulls forward turns to me with this I am married to a crazy woman look on his face, and says, “What the heck…you thought he was deaf?” How did you think he was going to relay the order to the front?”
Me…LAUGHING SO HARD AND LOUD and struggling to get out the words…
"I DIDN’T THINK THAT FAR AHEAD!"
There are moments in our lives that happen with strangers if we only take the opportunity to get to know each other and allow ourselves the time to share a little of us with them. This was one of my moments.
Thanks Obama! I completely blame this on you, again I jest!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Everyone has a story...ER in PC
I didn’t think it was possible to have a good time in an emergency room but, we have…once! A jet ski accident with a deep gash in the chin, while in Panama City sent Preston and I leaving the beach heading across the bridge to find the local hospital which is located off Martin Luther King Boulevard (if you should need it while in PC) as Dad held down the beach towel. Stitches in the chin weren’t a big deal to Preston after the many trips prior to the Jet Ski.
As we sat in an almost empty waiting room awaiting someone to call out Preston’s first name, we noticed a woman sitting alone across the room. Her clothes were dirty and hair unkept. It was the two different color socks that we noticed first. Well, I noticed it and Preston will tell you that he didn’t wonder anything about the woman. Before we knew it, the woman walked over and sat in the chair next to Preston. What followed would be our first laugh in the ER. She looked at Preston and said, “What are you in for”? He said, “Jet ski accident…what about you”? She said, “That’s personal”! I thought I would fall off of my chair! She was a classic stranger wanting to know Preston’s business but unwilling to share her own. She got up and walked back to the other side of the room leaving Preston and I saying, “What the hell… just happened”?
His first name was finally called out as the woman with the two different socks stayed behind. We wished that the back rooms were as empty as the waiting room as they led us to a bed sitting in the hallway with four other beds. As we sat waiting, there were screams from a woman down the hall repeating over and over, “Somebody help me…they are trying to kill me”. When the nurse arrived to chat with Preston...you know, “What are you in for”, Preston tells her to do something with the screaming woman! Shortly after, the woman was taken to a room. I tell you that he feels comfortable in a hospital setting barking orders.
Finally, things settle down as the volume of the area returns to a quieter decibel. Two young beautiful, well endowed, blonde Swedish girls enter the hallway. We noticed that they spoke very little English as they attempted to explain to the nurse that the injured one cut her arm while breaking their hotel window because they lost their key. I am wondering why they didn’t go to the office. I look at Preston to once again make our “what the hell” eye contact that he and I have mastered through the years. His eyes are locked on the well endowed parts of the young beautiful Swedish girl’s. After a few awkward seconds, he looks at me making our "What the hell signal" and says, “Man, I wish I had beads”! Remembering that we were in a hospital setting, I whispered, I don’t think they are in the mood to accept beads at this moment after all, they lost their hotel key!
A doc finally arrives to take a look at the gash. After explains that he lost in a battle with a jet ski, the doc begins to point out his multiple scars from various stunts, including a jet ski. I said, “He doesn’t need any encouragement with this reckless behavior or a hero”! The doc sent in the tech to prep for stitches. What happened next was priceless…the tech has a stainless steel table with three legs where everything needed for the doc’s handiwork will be placed. The table tips over with the tray landing on the exact spot of the gash. I thought Preston was going to come off the bed! Instead, he looks up at the tech and says, “Damn Dawg”. I couldn’t hold it back…I think I was laughing harder than the woman screaming, “Somebody help me…they are trying to kill me”. Six stitches later, we were on our way back to the sun and fun with memories of our PC trip.
There are moments in our lives that happen with strangers if we only take the opportunity to get to know each other and allow ourselves the time to share a little of us with them. This was one of my moments.
Thank you strangers at the ER in PC!
As we sat in an almost empty waiting room awaiting someone to call out Preston’s first name, we noticed a woman sitting alone across the room. Her clothes were dirty and hair unkept. It was the two different color socks that we noticed first. Well, I noticed it and Preston will tell you that he didn’t wonder anything about the woman. Before we knew it, the woman walked over and sat in the chair next to Preston. What followed would be our first laugh in the ER. She looked at Preston and said, “What are you in for”? He said, “Jet ski accident…what about you”? She said, “That’s personal”! I thought I would fall off of my chair! She was a classic stranger wanting to know Preston’s business but unwilling to share her own. She got up and walked back to the other side of the room leaving Preston and I saying, “What the hell… just happened”?
His first name was finally called out as the woman with the two different socks stayed behind. We wished that the back rooms were as empty as the waiting room as they led us to a bed sitting in the hallway with four other beds. As we sat waiting, there were screams from a woman down the hall repeating over and over, “Somebody help me…they are trying to kill me”. When the nurse arrived to chat with Preston...you know, “What are you in for”, Preston tells her to do something with the screaming woman! Shortly after, the woman was taken to a room. I tell you that he feels comfortable in a hospital setting barking orders.
Finally, things settle down as the volume of the area returns to a quieter decibel. Two young beautiful, well endowed, blonde Swedish girls enter the hallway. We noticed that they spoke very little English as they attempted to explain to the nurse that the injured one cut her arm while breaking their hotel window because they lost their key. I am wondering why they didn’t go to the office. I look at Preston to once again make our “what the hell” eye contact that he and I have mastered through the years. His eyes are locked on the well endowed parts of the young beautiful Swedish girl’s. After a few awkward seconds, he looks at me making our "What the hell signal" and says, “Man, I wish I had beads”! Remembering that we were in a hospital setting, I whispered, I don’t think they are in the mood to accept beads at this moment after all, they lost their hotel key!
A doc finally arrives to take a look at the gash. After explains that he lost in a battle with a jet ski, the doc begins to point out his multiple scars from various stunts, including a jet ski. I said, “He doesn’t need any encouragement with this reckless behavior or a hero”! The doc sent in the tech to prep for stitches. What happened next was priceless…the tech has a stainless steel table with three legs where everything needed for the doc’s handiwork will be placed. The table tips over with the tray landing on the exact spot of the gash. I thought Preston was going to come off the bed! Instead, he looks up at the tech and says, “Damn Dawg”. I couldn’t hold it back…I think I was laughing harder than the woman screaming, “Somebody help me…they are trying to kill me”. Six stitches later, we were on our way back to the sun and fun with memories of our PC trip.
There are moments in our lives that happen with strangers if we only take the opportunity to get to know each other and allow ourselves the time to share a little of us with them. This was one of my moments.
Thank you strangers at the ER in PC!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Everyone has a story...Valerie
I hope that you are all blessed by a stranger that enters your life as a friendship blossoms where you given invaluable life lessons just by watching as they live their life. It happened to me in the stands while watching our boys play football where I would meet amazing Mother’s. One in particular left a lasting imprint on my heart. Valerie is quiet and has a gentle spirit. It would be lessons from God’s whispers of friendship, giving, compassion, and love that she would share with me without knowing.
We would all be shocked to hear that one of the Mother’s was diagnosed with renal cell cancer. She was a young Mother with three children. A connection formed between Rita and Valerie and I watched as this new friendship became stronger through Rita’s journey. Valerie stepped up and helped Rita until the end. It would be through Nicole’s passing that the memories of their friendship would return to my heart as I watched Preston do the same for his dear friend. I was able to share this with Valerie…thanks to face book. I knew that she would be the only person that would understand what Preston was experiencing during that time in his life.
Valerie was the first to call as soon as she heard about Preston’s diagnosis. She said that she hoped that she wasn’t calling at a bad time. She would know that anytime of the day in the beginning of the journey could be a bad time. Valerie told me something that I didn’t know about her…she was the Mother of a cancer survivor. Her son also had Hodgkin’s when he was a baby. I knew that he was strong and healthy. She gave me a gift that afternoon that would carry me through our journey…hope!
Several years later I heard the most devastating news …Valerie’s son and Preston’s football brother had been in a terrible car accident and was killed instantly. Luke was always quiet and polite..his Mother’s son for sure. I’ve watched too many Mother’s lose their babies and each one holds a special place in my heart. There is a song that comes to my mind during these times…Meeting in the Air. When that day comes, I hope that God will allow me to stand to the side and watch the reunions of Mother’s with their babies. I know that each one awaits that day. Dan and I would witness an amazing outreach of forgiveness as we attended the family visitation for Luke. Valerie was waiting on Luke’s girlfriend to arrive from the hospital. She was driving the car and was injured. When she arrived, Valerie embraced her. To be honest…at that time of my life I didn’t know if I would have the same compassion. But, I knew that it was possible by watching Valerie.
We lost contact with each other as life moved forward but she remained in my heart and memories as certain situations would arise. God always brought the life lessons back for me to lean on. I wanted to contact her when another Mom faced the loss of her daughter in a car accident but didn’t know how to reach her. It was through the world of face book that our reunion would occur and where I am assured that Valerie is only a post or email away with a shoulder to lean on and a kind ear to listen.
There are moments in our lives that happen with strangers if we only take the opportunity to get to know each other and allow ourselves the time to share a little of us with them. This was one of my moments.
Thank you Valerie!
We would all be shocked to hear that one of the Mother’s was diagnosed with renal cell cancer. She was a young Mother with three children. A connection formed between Rita and Valerie and I watched as this new friendship became stronger through Rita’s journey. Valerie stepped up and helped Rita until the end. It would be through Nicole’s passing that the memories of their friendship would return to my heart as I watched Preston do the same for his dear friend. I was able to share this with Valerie…thanks to face book. I knew that she would be the only person that would understand what Preston was experiencing during that time in his life.
Valerie was the first to call as soon as she heard about Preston’s diagnosis. She said that she hoped that she wasn’t calling at a bad time. She would know that anytime of the day in the beginning of the journey could be a bad time. Valerie told me something that I didn’t know about her…she was the Mother of a cancer survivor. Her son also had Hodgkin’s when he was a baby. I knew that he was strong and healthy. She gave me a gift that afternoon that would carry me through our journey…hope!
Several years later I heard the most devastating news …Valerie’s son and Preston’s football brother had been in a terrible car accident and was killed instantly. Luke was always quiet and polite..his Mother’s son for sure. I’ve watched too many Mother’s lose their babies and each one holds a special place in my heart. There is a song that comes to my mind during these times…Meeting in the Air. When that day comes, I hope that God will allow me to stand to the side and watch the reunions of Mother’s with their babies. I know that each one awaits that day. Dan and I would witness an amazing outreach of forgiveness as we attended the family visitation for Luke. Valerie was waiting on Luke’s girlfriend to arrive from the hospital. She was driving the car and was injured. When she arrived, Valerie embraced her. To be honest…at that time of my life I didn’t know if I would have the same compassion. But, I knew that it was possible by watching Valerie.
We lost contact with each other as life moved forward but she remained in my heart and memories as certain situations would arise. God always brought the life lessons back for me to lean on. I wanted to contact her when another Mom faced the loss of her daughter in a car accident but didn’t know how to reach her. It was through the world of face book that our reunion would occur and where I am assured that Valerie is only a post or email away with a shoulder to lean on and a kind ear to listen.
There are moments in our lives that happen with strangers if we only take the opportunity to get to know each other and allow ourselves the time to share a little of us with them. This was one of my moments.
Thank you Valerie!
Everyone has a story...Zack & Jennifer
I love this story…it’s our first God moment after Preston’s diagnosis. Parents face many obstacles after their child is diagnosed with any illness. A cancer diagnosis requires a balancing act with treatment days, hospital stays, school, last minute sick days….all the while, trying to maintain a steady income to keep the roof over your head. Life moves on even though you want to freeze time until the off chemo day arrives. There isn’t any time to think about what to do about any situation. You move on autopilot and make decisions at a moment’s notice. I can tell you that I had never been “that person” that was able to do anything spontaneously. My life was designed with a calendar of events with only preplanning at least six months in advance. Events are replaced on the calendar with appointment visits. Normalcy is out the window, plans are put on hold, and you live one day at a time with most days living one minute at a time.
One of those moment notice decisions and one minute at a time days came early on as we found the need for a hang out buddy for Preston. We couldn’t have a sitter...No, our 11 year old would not hear of it! I made a quick call to a local church in our area and asked if they could recommend anyone for the job. I explained the situation and the request for the most special person they knew that may be available. While on the phone the lady mentioned the name Zack Dove. She said that if she were going through this, Zack would be the person she would ask. I gave her our number and asked that she have him give us a call. I received a call from Zack and asked this stranger if he would stop by to meet with us. He asked if we would mind if he brought his girlfriend with him. That evening Zack and Jennifer stopped by. Zack said, “Jennifer is a cancer survivor” after introducing us to her. I’m not sure if Zack and Jennifer knew then how much we needed to meet her at that time of the journey (although, they do now). We were thrilled to hear her story and to meet a healthy and vibrant young woman that sat before us cancer free. We only thought we needed a hang out buddy, but God knew that our need for hope and inspiration was much greater. We learned that she is a Non Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor and had a hard time with treatment. Answers to fearful questions from a young cancer survivor were a gift from God through sweet Jennifer. We asked if she was scared, how her friends treated her, did she feel different, did she think she was going to die, did she do okay in school, what we should say to Preston about certain topics, etc. Patiently she answered every one of our questions in a quiet, confident, and loving way. As we finished our discussion, it dawned on me that we hadn’t chatted with Zack about hanging out with Preston. We drilled him next and learned that he was an amazing young man attending a Christian college, attended church, and felt like he was up for the challenge of any situation that may arise with Preston’s treatment. We knew that he was our answered prayer!
Zack began his time with Preston spoiling him just as much as we would do. There were planned activities, trips, and memories made between two buddies. The 1996 Olympics were in Atlanta that year so they attended the events together, they went on fishing trips, trips to anywhere Preston wanted and was able to go. There were some days that they hung out as Preston recovered from treatment with Zack catering to his every need. He allowed Dan & me the opportunity to keep life moving and moments on normalcy that had been lost from the words…”I believe that your son has cancer.” It was much later that Zack and Jennifer married as Preston stood in their wedding, even catching the garter belt! How precious to watch as they began their life together so devoted to one another. It was while attending Jennifer’s 10 year off therapy party that I would take her off to the side and ask more personal questions. She has always given me an honest answer to any question asked. She shared with me that she was thankful that we came into their lives because she knew that hanging out with Preston would give Zack an insight to what she went through as a young child. It is always God’s divine design that holds lessons and answers for his children. Later, Zack and Jennifer would add a very handsome five year old from the Ukraine to their family. William did not speak English and was very shy….not anymore, he is incredibly intelligent, speaks perfect English, accepted Christ as his savior, was baptized, plays soccer, and has two of the most devoted and loving parents a boy could ask for. We told Zack that parenthood should come very easy because Preston put him through the fire before William was thought of! We are praying for them as God walks them through the process of adopting their second child from the Ukraine.
God sent us two special angels that have brought such blessings to our lives. Their families are our family. You can always bet that behind every wonderful, loving, and giving young person is an amazing set of parents! This case is proof of that! We can’t thank them enough for raising them both!
There are moments in our lives that happen with strangers if we only take the opportunity to get to know each other and allow ourselves the time to share a little of us with them. This was one of my moments.
Thank you Zack & Jennifer!
One of those moment notice decisions and one minute at a time days came early on as we found the need for a hang out buddy for Preston. We couldn’t have a sitter...No, our 11 year old would not hear of it! I made a quick call to a local church in our area and asked if they could recommend anyone for the job. I explained the situation and the request for the most special person they knew that may be available. While on the phone the lady mentioned the name Zack Dove. She said that if she were going through this, Zack would be the person she would ask. I gave her our number and asked that she have him give us a call. I received a call from Zack and asked this stranger if he would stop by to meet with us. He asked if we would mind if he brought his girlfriend with him. That evening Zack and Jennifer stopped by. Zack said, “Jennifer is a cancer survivor” after introducing us to her. I’m not sure if Zack and Jennifer knew then how much we needed to meet her at that time of the journey (although, they do now). We were thrilled to hear her story and to meet a healthy and vibrant young woman that sat before us cancer free. We only thought we needed a hang out buddy, but God knew that our need for hope and inspiration was much greater. We learned that she is a Non Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor and had a hard time with treatment. Answers to fearful questions from a young cancer survivor were a gift from God through sweet Jennifer. We asked if she was scared, how her friends treated her, did she feel different, did she think she was going to die, did she do okay in school, what we should say to Preston about certain topics, etc. Patiently she answered every one of our questions in a quiet, confident, and loving way. As we finished our discussion, it dawned on me that we hadn’t chatted with Zack about hanging out with Preston. We drilled him next and learned that he was an amazing young man attending a Christian college, attended church, and felt like he was up for the challenge of any situation that may arise with Preston’s treatment. We knew that he was our answered prayer!
Zack began his time with Preston spoiling him just as much as we would do. There were planned activities, trips, and memories made between two buddies. The 1996 Olympics were in Atlanta that year so they attended the events together, they went on fishing trips, trips to anywhere Preston wanted and was able to go. There were some days that they hung out as Preston recovered from treatment with Zack catering to his every need. He allowed Dan & me the opportunity to keep life moving and moments on normalcy that had been lost from the words…”I believe that your son has cancer.” It was much later that Zack and Jennifer married as Preston stood in their wedding, even catching the garter belt! How precious to watch as they began their life together so devoted to one another. It was while attending Jennifer’s 10 year off therapy party that I would take her off to the side and ask more personal questions. She has always given me an honest answer to any question asked. She shared with me that she was thankful that we came into their lives because she knew that hanging out with Preston would give Zack an insight to what she went through as a young child. It is always God’s divine design that holds lessons and answers for his children. Later, Zack and Jennifer would add a very handsome five year old from the Ukraine to their family. William did not speak English and was very shy….not anymore, he is incredibly intelligent, speaks perfect English, accepted Christ as his savior, was baptized, plays soccer, and has two of the most devoted and loving parents a boy could ask for. We told Zack that parenthood should come very easy because Preston put him through the fire before William was thought of! We are praying for them as God walks them through the process of adopting their second child from the Ukraine.
God sent us two special angels that have brought such blessings to our lives. Their families are our family. You can always bet that behind every wonderful, loving, and giving young person is an amazing set of parents! This case is proof of that! We can’t thank them enough for raising them both!
There are moments in our lives that happen with strangers if we only take the opportunity to get to know each other and allow ourselves the time to share a little of us with them. This was one of my moments.
Thank you Zack & Jennifer!
Everyone has a story...Winnie
I was raised by an Independent Baptist Evangelist. If you adjusted your underwear around them it was assumed that you were dancing. I believe it was the should not’s and can not’s that would lead to my interest in chatting with anyone that did not conform to what society expected. Much to my husband’s dismay, I will stop anyone with a grill, large holes in their ears, piercings, tattoo’s, etc. to find out how they brush their teeth or eat with their grill or where they bought it, if the loops in the ears, piercings, or tattoo’s hurt or why they chose that and where they put that.
It was black nail polish on a young man named Eric at the Camp Sunshine family retreat that interested me. “So, who tied you down and painted your fingernails”, I asked. He said, “My sisters”. We shared a laugh when I asked, “What did you do to get back at them?” Eric was quiet and battling Sarcoma. He looked fed up with the entire journey. And, I couldn’t blame him.
It was black nail polish that introduced me to Eric and his family. Our friendship grew as we would see each other at other family events. It was a visit at Egleston that brings a smile to my face when I think of Eric and his family. Homer, Eric’s dog peed on the floor in the hospital room. We all laughed at Homer and found a moment of a welcomed distraction to the obvious. That obvious day did come and this is where my story turns to my friend, Winnie.
My friend, Winnie is a very special Mom that opened her heart to a stranger and shared her son and his story. These strangers that became our friends gave me the gift of letting go when they shared their journey with us. It was during my last visit with Eric that Winnie asked if I would go to lunch with her and run an errand. When I asked about the errand Winnie said that she needed to prepare Eric’s obituary. I have faith and believe in miracles…where there is breath there is life. But, when my friend said, “Dee Ann, I need for you to let Eric go”, the moment took my breath away and changed me. Walking with a Mom as she makes preparation for letting go is one of the greatest honor a friend is given. Winnie taught me how to help others when the end comes. I will always cherish her gift! Attending Eric’s celebration service was not easy but I smiled as I noticed the black nail polish.
There are moments in our lives that happen with strangers if we only take the opportunity to get to know each other and allow ourselves the time to share a little of us with them. This was one of my moments.
It was black nail polish on a young man named Eric at the Camp Sunshine family retreat that interested me. “So, who tied you down and painted your fingernails”, I asked. He said, “My sisters”. We shared a laugh when I asked, “What did you do to get back at them?” Eric was quiet and battling Sarcoma. He looked fed up with the entire journey. And, I couldn’t blame him.
It was black nail polish that introduced me to Eric and his family. Our friendship grew as we would see each other at other family events. It was a visit at Egleston that brings a smile to my face when I think of Eric and his family. Homer, Eric’s dog peed on the floor in the hospital room. We all laughed at Homer and found a moment of a welcomed distraction to the obvious. That obvious day did come and this is where my story turns to my friend, Winnie.
My friend, Winnie is a very special Mom that opened her heart to a stranger and shared her son and his story. These strangers that became our friends gave me the gift of letting go when they shared their journey with us. It was during my last visit with Eric that Winnie asked if I would go to lunch with her and run an errand. When I asked about the errand Winnie said that she needed to prepare Eric’s obituary. I have faith and believe in miracles…where there is breath there is life. But, when my friend said, “Dee Ann, I need for you to let Eric go”, the moment took my breath away and changed me. Walking with a Mom as she makes preparation for letting go is one of the greatest honor a friend is given. Winnie taught me how to help others when the end comes. I will always cherish her gift! Attending Eric’s celebration service was not easy but I smiled as I noticed the black nail polish.
There are moments in our lives that happen with strangers if we only take the opportunity to get to know each other and allow ourselves the time to share a little of us with them. This was one of my moments.
Everyone has a story...Scott's Antique Flea Market
It was an outing with my sister, Terry that would bring two interesting strangers our way. The ride to the Scott’s Antiques Market was interesting enough as we ended up in Peachtree City instead of the actual location. We should have known that since we live in a city with thousands of Peachtree Streets and Martin Luther King Boulevards there must be two Jonesboro Roads. Directions in Atlanta can be challenging with or without a GPS.
Scott’s is an interesting place with two buildings separated by the bridge that crosses I-285. It is filled with overpriced crap…umm, I mean beautiful eclectic items to fill your beautiful home that hold the scent of an elderly person’s home…umm, I mean it doesn’t smell at all. However, it is an Everyone has a story kinda place! And, to some vendors it’s an every item has a story! Some of the best liars all over the country come to sell antiques that were purchased from estate sales in London from the Queen herself! So buyers beware and watch the noses as the stories are told to you, for you will see them grow just like Pinocchio’s!
As we strolled isle by isle looking at the different booth’s we stumbled upon a man sitting at a electric piano playing and singing for…umm, the other vendors. He was at a booth that was filled with antique telephones and was certain that you should have one for your home. These antique phones were some we used as a teenager so let me tell you that this booth was an insult to someone that remains 29! This man with his jet black dyed hair had a smile that just made you stop and wonder what he had to be so happy about. He was playing his piano and I stopped to watch and listen. He was delighted that someone other than the vendors had taken an interest in his talent and asked our names. Instantly a personal song was written in his head about Terry and Dee Ann. It was quite catchy and could be a hit on a station that is completely unheard of. He had a stack of books on a table in front of him that of course I picked up and inquired about. As Terry began to see where this chance meeting was going with this stranger (you see she knows me better than anyone) she pretended to be interested in the telephones to send a hint that we should move on. But, oh no….I had to hear his story! I said, “Wow, this is you in the book and you are with Dean Martin, Dinah Shore, Jackie Gleason…what’s the story here and why are you at the Scott’s Antique Market?” He explained that he was in the entertainment industry back in the Big Band era and hung out with all of them. He dated Dinah, partied with Dean, and said that Jackie was an alcoholic. His book is filled with his story and pictures of their times together. The outfits were hilarious! He beamed as he shared his memories reliving the days long gone. I asked again how he ended up at the Market selling the telephones. He explained that he wasn’t wise with his money blowing it on women and booze and having a great time doing it. The young entertainers were not advised back in the day on retirement investments. So, there he sat! It was sad really...to see someone that was in the limelight during the Big Band era peddling his telephones and holding on to the dream of someone coming along that would maybe take an interest in making a movie about his life. As Terry grew frustrated with the length of my interest in this stranger’s life and after examining each and every telephone available on the table, I took the hint and moved on thanking the gentleman for the conversation and song. Terry said, “Why do you have to get to know everyone?” I know that my interest in hearing someone’s story drives anyone with me crazy. They don’t understand it and I can’t understand why they are not as interested in hearing the stories as I am. We chatted about how happy the entertainer seemed filled with the memories of his past! If anyone is looking for an antique telephone check out the booth in Building One…you may get a song out of it!
One story from an entertainer holding on to his dream out of the hundreds of possible stories that were filled in Building one and two was not bad for the day. Until….we got ready to leave and decided to buy some fruit and vegetables from the man at the stand outside. We approached the stand hearing the elderly gentleman ranting with a customer about the injustice of our judicial process and his frustration with no one listening to his family’s plight. As I looked over the muscadines and tomatoes, my everyone has a story interest was peaked. The customer was listening as he continued ranting and bagging up her items. She was not an everyone has a story kinda woman much like my sister. If you have been following my stories you know by now that I just had to ask him about the injustice. His pain and frustration level was so high that he was ready to tell the world and was praying that the Governor would show up at any moment to listen. He explained that his son was in prison and unjustly accused of child molestation with a family member. His wife was ill and was getting worse from the stress of the situation. He said the court would not listen, the lawyer was an idiot, and made the statement that if he had a gun…blah blah blah! Oh my, I agreed with my sister in that moment. Some stories just shouldn’t be shared with the general public as you sell fruits and vegetables. He and his wife were suffering physically and emotionally because of their adult son. I quickly said a prayer and asked to be given something from the Lord that would give this Dad peace and comfort. I was reading “Hinds Feet on High Places” at that time and asked if he had read the book. He said, “Oh yea, years ago.” I suggested that he revisit it and pray that God will help him and his family with this journey. My heart broke for this elderly man and his wife. Worrying about their grown children should not be something they had to do while selling fruits and vegetables. I paid for my items and told him that I would be praying for him. As Terry and I walked to the car we looked at each other and both said, “WOW.” I said how in the world did that just happen? He wished he had a gun…Terry looked dead in my eyes and said, “It happened when you said, “Why is your son in jail.” She said, “You should have never asked that question.” We both had a good laugh at my need to hear the story. It’s the chance you take when you meet a stranger. Some are willing to pull out the entire family garbage and dump it right at your feet if you will listen. And, listening is the only way to hear some of the juicy stories!
There are moments in our lives that happen with strangers if we only take the opportunity to get to know each other and allow ourselves the time to share a little of us with them. This was one of my moments.
Thank you Scott’s Antique Market!
Scott’s is an interesting place with two buildings separated by the bridge that crosses I-285. It is filled with overpriced crap…umm, I mean beautiful eclectic items to fill your beautiful home that hold the scent of an elderly person’s home…umm, I mean it doesn’t smell at all. However, it is an Everyone has a story kinda place! And, to some vendors it’s an every item has a story! Some of the best liars all over the country come to sell antiques that were purchased from estate sales in London from the Queen herself! So buyers beware and watch the noses as the stories are told to you, for you will see them grow just like Pinocchio’s!
As we strolled isle by isle looking at the different booth’s we stumbled upon a man sitting at a electric piano playing and singing for…umm, the other vendors. He was at a booth that was filled with antique telephones and was certain that you should have one for your home. These antique phones were some we used as a teenager so let me tell you that this booth was an insult to someone that remains 29! This man with his jet black dyed hair had a smile that just made you stop and wonder what he had to be so happy about. He was playing his piano and I stopped to watch and listen. He was delighted that someone other than the vendors had taken an interest in his talent and asked our names. Instantly a personal song was written in his head about Terry and Dee Ann. It was quite catchy and could be a hit on a station that is completely unheard of. He had a stack of books on a table in front of him that of course I picked up and inquired about. As Terry began to see where this chance meeting was going with this stranger (you see she knows me better than anyone) she pretended to be interested in the telephones to send a hint that we should move on. But, oh no….I had to hear his story! I said, “Wow, this is you in the book and you are with Dean Martin, Dinah Shore, Jackie Gleason…what’s the story here and why are you at the Scott’s Antique Market?” He explained that he was in the entertainment industry back in the Big Band era and hung out with all of them. He dated Dinah, partied with Dean, and said that Jackie was an alcoholic. His book is filled with his story and pictures of their times together. The outfits were hilarious! He beamed as he shared his memories reliving the days long gone. I asked again how he ended up at the Market selling the telephones. He explained that he wasn’t wise with his money blowing it on women and booze and having a great time doing it. The young entertainers were not advised back in the day on retirement investments. So, there he sat! It was sad really...to see someone that was in the limelight during the Big Band era peddling his telephones and holding on to the dream of someone coming along that would maybe take an interest in making a movie about his life. As Terry grew frustrated with the length of my interest in this stranger’s life and after examining each and every telephone available on the table, I took the hint and moved on thanking the gentleman for the conversation and song. Terry said, “Why do you have to get to know everyone?” I know that my interest in hearing someone’s story drives anyone with me crazy. They don’t understand it and I can’t understand why they are not as interested in hearing the stories as I am. We chatted about how happy the entertainer seemed filled with the memories of his past! If anyone is looking for an antique telephone check out the booth in Building One…you may get a song out of it!
One story from an entertainer holding on to his dream out of the hundreds of possible stories that were filled in Building one and two was not bad for the day. Until….we got ready to leave and decided to buy some fruit and vegetables from the man at the stand outside. We approached the stand hearing the elderly gentleman ranting with a customer about the injustice of our judicial process and his frustration with no one listening to his family’s plight. As I looked over the muscadines and tomatoes, my everyone has a story interest was peaked. The customer was listening as he continued ranting and bagging up her items. She was not an everyone has a story kinda woman much like my sister. If you have been following my stories you know by now that I just had to ask him about the injustice. His pain and frustration level was so high that he was ready to tell the world and was praying that the Governor would show up at any moment to listen. He explained that his son was in prison and unjustly accused of child molestation with a family member. His wife was ill and was getting worse from the stress of the situation. He said the court would not listen, the lawyer was an idiot, and made the statement that if he had a gun…blah blah blah! Oh my, I agreed with my sister in that moment. Some stories just shouldn’t be shared with the general public as you sell fruits and vegetables. He and his wife were suffering physically and emotionally because of their adult son. I quickly said a prayer and asked to be given something from the Lord that would give this Dad peace and comfort. I was reading “Hinds Feet on High Places” at that time and asked if he had read the book. He said, “Oh yea, years ago.” I suggested that he revisit it and pray that God will help him and his family with this journey. My heart broke for this elderly man and his wife. Worrying about their grown children should not be something they had to do while selling fruits and vegetables. I paid for my items and told him that I would be praying for him. As Terry and I walked to the car we looked at each other and both said, “WOW.” I said how in the world did that just happen? He wished he had a gun…Terry looked dead in my eyes and said, “It happened when you said, “Why is your son in jail.” She said, “You should have never asked that question.” We both had a good laugh at my need to hear the story. It’s the chance you take when you meet a stranger. Some are willing to pull out the entire family garbage and dump it right at your feet if you will listen. And, listening is the only way to hear some of the juicy stories!
There are moments in our lives that happen with strangers if we only take the opportunity to get to know each other and allow ourselves the time to share a little of us with them. This was one of my moments.
Thank you Scott’s Antique Market!
Everyone has a story...Jason and Jennifer
I never meet a stranger...ever! Everyone has a story and I want to hear it! I often think how my life would be different if I rushed by everyone quietly. If you know me well…well, you know that I have only been quiet in a church or library and only because it’s the thing to do. My life has been touched by so many of these encounters. It was a chance meeting at a pharmacy counter that I would meet a Mom as we were both waiting on prescriptions for our children. She and I struck up a conversation and started a business together. Suwanee Days years ago allowed me to meet the most talented friend I know. She can literally make something amazing out of anything…you should visit Ambiance Interiors in Suwanee and check it out. It was through my son, Curt (yes, we can pass this gift to our children) that gave me my Texas daughter, Alisha. I have thousands of stories….it’s now necessary as 29 again approaches and the memory begins to “cough cough” fade that I take the time to write these down. Feel free to share in the moments!
Our encounter with the Model A (we have discovered that the unoccupied runaway destroyer was an A not a T) sent me to a physical terrorist..um, I mean therapist. It’s the 7:30 am appointments that are causing me the most pain! There is something about bodily injury that forms a common bond among strangers. Most of the conversation in the room is filled with moans and grunts from patients recovering from double knee replacement, football injuries, etc.
It was during my 7:30 am appointment yesterday that I struck up a conversation with the guy named Jason that was lying on the bed next to mine. He and I were enjoying the first part of the visit…the moist heat! We both agreed that it the moist heat was the only reason we were able to get up so early to make the appointment. Jason said that he had been coming for over a year and his relationship with our male therapist was his second longest relationship. Moist heat and laughter at 7:30 am..not a bad appointment. Jason then headed for his warm up with the treadmill. As he was walking, I noticed that he was wearing a Livestrong bracelet. I asked him why he wore the bracelet…you know curious minds want to know…well, this curious mind did! He said that he wears it for his friend that lost his battle with colon cancer at the age of 33 last year leaving behind a wife and daughter named Jennifer. A huge smile came across his face as he told me that he grew up in a small town in New York. He said there wasn’t much to do in his town except hang out with the friends in the neighborhood. They all could not wait to get out of that town and get on with their lives. The friends have since scattered all over the world. The death of their friend reunited 120 friends. On the anniversary of his death each one returns for a time of remembrance, fellowship, and opportunities to raise money for a college fund for the daughter of his friend. He said when Jennifer is ready to go to college the money will be there for her. I told him that this was an amazing story of friendship! And, asked him if this gave him comfort that his friends would be there for his family should anything happen to him. Jason said that they have all realized what a comfort it is to each of them. I told him that his story reminded me of Suwanee and the bonds that my sons have formed by living in a small town. Jason has two daughters and my hope for them is that they are able to form the bonds that will be their support when the tough times come. I realized that my 7:30 am appointment was healing to my heart, spirit, and body with a reminder of how precious lifelong friendships are to us all!
There are moments in our lives that happen with strangers if we only take the opportunity to get to know each other and allow ourselves the time to share a little of us with them. This was one of my moments.
Thank you Jason!
Our encounter with the Model A (we have discovered that the unoccupied runaway destroyer was an A not a T) sent me to a physical terrorist..um, I mean therapist. It’s the 7:30 am appointments that are causing me the most pain! There is something about bodily injury that forms a common bond among strangers. Most of the conversation in the room is filled with moans and grunts from patients recovering from double knee replacement, football injuries, etc.
It was during my 7:30 am appointment yesterday that I struck up a conversation with the guy named Jason that was lying on the bed next to mine. He and I were enjoying the first part of the visit…the moist heat! We both agreed that it the moist heat was the only reason we were able to get up so early to make the appointment. Jason said that he had been coming for over a year and his relationship with our male therapist was his second longest relationship. Moist heat and laughter at 7:30 am..not a bad appointment. Jason then headed for his warm up with the treadmill. As he was walking, I noticed that he was wearing a Livestrong bracelet. I asked him why he wore the bracelet…you know curious minds want to know…well, this curious mind did! He said that he wears it for his friend that lost his battle with colon cancer at the age of 33 last year leaving behind a wife and daughter named Jennifer. A huge smile came across his face as he told me that he grew up in a small town in New York. He said there wasn’t much to do in his town except hang out with the friends in the neighborhood. They all could not wait to get out of that town and get on with their lives. The friends have since scattered all over the world. The death of their friend reunited 120 friends. On the anniversary of his death each one returns for a time of remembrance, fellowship, and opportunities to raise money for a college fund for the daughter of his friend. He said when Jennifer is ready to go to college the money will be there for her. I told him that this was an amazing story of friendship! And, asked him if this gave him comfort that his friends would be there for his family should anything happen to him. Jason said that they have all realized what a comfort it is to each of them. I told him that his story reminded me of Suwanee and the bonds that my sons have formed by living in a small town. Jason has two daughters and my hope for them is that they are able to form the bonds that will be their support when the tough times come. I realized that my 7:30 am appointment was healing to my heart, spirit, and body with a reminder of how precious lifelong friendships are to us all!
There are moments in our lives that happen with strangers if we only take the opportunity to get to know each other and allow ourselves the time to share a little of us with them. This was one of my moments.
Thank you Jason!
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